Obtaining an H-1B visa is a lengthy process and requires extensive documentation. One of the milestones of the H-1B visa application process is having your petition approved. At this stage, you can schedule your H-1B visa stamping interview. To be prepared for the H-1B visa stamping interview, you should gather all the necessary documents beforehand.
Necessary Documents For An H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa stamping interview is conducted at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate. Before you go to the designated consulate for your interview, you must complete the following:
- Submit a Photo – Your photo meets the photo requirements outlined by the U.S Department of State:
- Must be a square photo
- Dimensions: 600 pixels by 600 pixels (minimum), 1200 pixels by 1200 pixels (maximum)
- Must be in color
- Size can be no larger than 240 kilobytes
- Saved in JPEG format
- Complete the online Form DS-160. Print the confirmation form with the 10-digit barcode and take it with you to the interview.
- Pay the required fees and schedule two appointments: One with the Offsite Facilitation Center and the other with the consulate or embassy.
Depending on your country, you might be asked to provide your complete fingerprints when applying for your interview. Get all your documents gathered and organized in the days leading up to the interview with the consulate. Not having the required documents at your interview can impede your H-1B visa.
General Documents
The list below outlines the minimum essential documents you must bring with you to your visa stamping interview.
- Photo – must meet the guidelines of the U.S. Department of State
- Current and expired passport(s)
- Letter of appointment schedule
- DS-160 Barcode Confirmation – make sure it has the 10-digit barcode present
- I-129 petition for nonimmigrant worker
- I-797 Form – original H-1B Visa approval notice
- H classification supplement to form I-129
- Employment verification letter
- H-1B data collection and filing fee exemption supplement
- Labor condition application (for H-1B and H-1B1 nonimmigrants)
- H-1B visa petition letter – this document is provided by your employer
- Monthly bank statements from the last three months
- Paystubs (if you are working on H-1B) – at least the last three months
For Spouse And Dependent Children
If you are bringing your spouse or dependent children, you will also need to provide the following documents in addition to those listed above.
- The original notice of action form I-797 of the main applicant
- Form I-129 of the main application – bring a copy of Form I-797 and I-129 if Form I-797 is a blanket permit
- Photocopy of main applicant’s valid visa – applicable if you are applying separately
- The original birth certificate of each dependent child
- Original marriage certificate and your entire wedding photo album
Contact the U.S. consulate in your home country for details on what documents to bring for your spouse and dependent children. The documentation may vary from country to country.
H-1B Visa Supporting Documents
The following are documents that are not always required. However, it is a good idea to bring these documents in case they are requested during your interview.
- I-797 A, B, or C
- Copy of your resume or CV
- H-1B approval notice from the previous employer, if applicable
- Company description, including company project documents
- Letter from current employer with the job offer extension
H-1B Visa Educational Documents
Bring the documents listed below to your H-1B visa interview when you’re applying via education.
- Official transcripts from the universities attended, including undergraduate and/or graduate schools
- Official transcripts of other certificates that you might have received
- Official diploma certificates or degree, or both
- OPT or EAD card, if applicable
- Original I-20s form, if you have a degree from the United States
U.S. Government Documents
You might have to bring the documents below depending on the length of time you’ve been in the United States and your current status.
- Driver’s license
- Social security card
- W-2 Tax forms from at least the last 2 years
- 1040s tax returns
Personal Documents
If you are already living in the United States, you should bring copies of your rental agreement and utility bills to your visa stamping interview. Other documents may also be required, depending on your specific situation. Some applicants need more documentation than others, as each case is independent.
It is recommended that you contact an immigration attorney or an immigration professional if you are not sure what documents to bring for your interview. The success of gaining entry to the United States may depend on being prepared with all the relevant documents to share during your interview.
Work With Experienced Immigration Attorneys
If you want to discuss your situation with an immigration attorney to make sure you bring the correct documents to your interview, contact Pride Immigration. We are here to help you in your visa process so that you are prepared with everything you need to gain entry to the United States. Call us at (703) 594-4040 or contact us online to get started.
Beeraj Patel, Esq.
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